Back Yard Indiana Shrub ?

Back Yard Indiana Shrub ?

Sat May 01, 2010 11:34 am

We are in Zone 5 - Northern Indiana. Looking for ideas for shrubsto use in area between sunroom and air conditioner.Thought a type of evergreen shrub to provide blocking ofview of A/C from the sunroom might be a good option.Opinions on Daphne "Somerset" or other options?Area faces West with late morning sun and afternoon shade.

First off a small tree such as dogwood or redbud or even a Japanese maple would do well and then I'd look at potentilla which will bloom all summer, maybe the orange since the yellow and white would look faded. What about euonymous "Emerald Gaiety", evergreen or cotoneaster, semi-evergreen, both low growing. Since the house is brick sheared hedges would conflict.

Daphne x burkwoodii is a very nice plant but it has some rather specific cultural requirements, good drainage is essential. It does not tolerate wet feet, if you have high clay content soil or if the spot where you intend to plant it is low and water accumulates there strike Daphnes off your list. Also, Daphne x burkwoodii is not evergreen.

For evergreens I like good old Taxus x media 'Tautonii'. It also isn't totally happy with wet soils but it is far more tolerant and widely adapted than Daphnes. It also takes pruning extremely well so you can easily control the size. The only major negative in my experience is that deer like to nibble on it.

What are the dimensions of the entire area? I need a bit better idea of the total space for further suggestions.